Press Release: United Kingdom: Commission takes action over breaches of environmental law

The European Commission on 15 July 2005 decided to pursue infringement proceedings against the United Kingdom in eight cases involving breaches of EU environment law. In the most advanced case, the UK received a first written warning because it had not complied with a judgement of the European Court of Justice regarding the safe management of hazardous waste. In two other cases, concerning urban wastewater treatment, the UK was to be referred to the Court. In the remaining five cases, the UK received final warnings before possible Court action in relation to EU laws on noise, the protection of the ozone layer and waste electrical and electronic equipment.